Welcome!

Through a joint effort with the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE), the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), and non-public schools leadership, the Kentucky Non-Public Schools Commission, Inc. (KyNPSC, Inc.) was created following the passage of the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1991 to address the common concerns of those privately-operated bricks-and-mortar Kentucky schools that desired to be in voluntary compliance with state standards, and thus become "certified" non-public schools.

The KyNPSC, Inc. was incorporated in 1993, and in 1994 and 1997 the KBE subsequently vetted and approved the following current entities to provide accreditation for "certification" purposes:

  • The KyNPSC, Inc.
  • American Association of Christian Schools (AACS)
  • Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) / AdvancEd
  • Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
  • Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
  • North American Division of Seventh Day Adventists
  • International Christian Accrediting Association (ICAA)
  • Association Montessori International (AMI)
  • American Montessori Society (AMS)

An uncertified but appropriately-accredited non-public school may apply to the KyNPSC, Inc., before April 1, for a certification recommendation to the KBE at the Board’s June meeting. The applicant school provides documentation of accreditation by the approved entity, and the KyNPSC, Inc. adds the school to its list of certification recommendations made to the KDE for its June meeting agenda.

The KBE certifies a diverse group of faith-based schools and other independent private schools. The KyNPSC, Inc. also provides a forum for representatives of home schools and other non-certified, non-traditional schools and programs, since the KyNPSC, Inc. can be an avenue through which to voice concerns. Note, however, that the KBE does not certify such programs.

Kentucky Certified Non-Public Schools are eligible for many programs and services available to public schools, including certain forgivable teacher loans, KEES Scholarships, and KHSAA membership.

https://www.education.ky.gov/federal/fed/Pages/Non-Public-Schools.aspx